SPFL
Nygren's header secures winning start for Celtic
Celtic started its Scottish Premiership title defence with a win after it defeated Dundee FC 1-0 at Celtic Park.… Show More
Celtic started its Scottish Premiership title defence with a win after it defeated Dundee FC 1-0 at Celtic Park.
Benjamin Nygren was the match-winner for Martin O'Neill's side with his second-half header, though Celtic was almost made to pay for its wastefulness in their opening game of the season.
Summer signings Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh started together, and the latter squandered two good chances in the opening 14 minutes, first dragging wide from Nygren's pass before diverting his team-mate's shot off target.
Charlie Riley failed to test Viljami Sinisalo from close range at the other end, while Arne Engels headed wide of the goal following a pinpoint cross from Kieran Tierney shortly before half-time.
Tierney almost broke the deadlock himself, forcing Owen Goodman into a save at his near post, but Celtic eventually took the lead in the 52nd minute as Nygren got in front of his marker to glance in from Tierney’s brilliant cross.
Celtic failed to add to their lead, which they almost lost late on, but Sinisalo did well to dive down to his right and parry Ashley Hay's header around the post.
The host side still had chances to score, with captain Callum McGregor striking the woodwork with a curling effort, but they were able to get across the line with their one-goal advantage.
